February 5, 2005

One of the landmarks of Paris, the Basilique du Sacré Coeur looks down on the city from its hill on top of the famous Montmartre quartier.
Looking at the white building that combines romanic and Byzantine styles, it is hard to believe that it was only officially opened after the first World War.
Sacré Coeur is only a very short walk away from Place du Tertre, where you can get a portrait of yourself painted by one of the many artists preying on the truckloads of tourists.
When I visited this time, Montmartre, Sacré Coeur and the Place du Tertre were quite enjoyable - winter is a good time to visit the more touristy attractions of Paris.